Madison S. is the daughter of fallen U.S. Marine Captain Tyler S. She was eight years old when an improvised explosive device took his life. “My Dad’s military service has meant different things to me at different parts of my life,” she explained. “I am proud of him for dedicating his life to helping others.”
With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots), Madison is studying psychology and anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her goal is to become a psychologist who helps diagnose developmentally disabled children. She says her father struggled during high school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, but over the years learned how to adapt and succeed in college and later in the military.
Madison is passionate about children and would like to help them reach their full potential. “When I was younger, I had some developmental problems that led to occupational therapy which has helped me get to where I am today.” She volunteers at her local preschool and at her university as a research assistant.
“Fallen Patriots has allowed me to be able to conduct research with the help that is provided every semester. Without this help, I would be pressured to get a job and not put as much energy into my schoolwork. Fallen Patriots has also given me the opportunity to study abroad and expand my horizon.”
There are approximately 25,000 military who have lost an active duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding.
